I've been meaning to do a video on this for awhile now. So, here's my chance and the perfect opportunity since pretty much everyone I know is outside enjoying this spring weather, gearing up for summer, now that Memorial Day weekend is behind us.
Recently, a friend told me that every year when she got shin splints, they would stop her dead in her tracks.
She thought they were an injury that meant "you should stop walking for exercise."
Here's the thing, yes, they ARE considered an injury. However...
There are a few things to know about shin splints so you can prevent them, ease the pain &/or get on with your fun sunshin-ey outdoor shenanigans without that much of a delay.
In this week's RealFit in 5, I share what shin splints are, why you might be more "prone" to them than others & what you can do about it.
Shin splints occur when the connective tissue between the bone & the muscle in the lower front-part of the leg is aggravated by being over-worked. Basically, it gets inflamed & that's why you feel pain after walking, hiking, jogging or running if you haven't done any of those activities in awhile.
If you are prone to shin splints, take these 5 things into consideration:
1. Gradually increase activity such as walking, hiking, & running if you haven't done these activities in awhile. That means start out with a 30 minute hike, not a 3 hour hike.
2. Keep your calf muscles strong. If you work the front of the body, it only makes sense to work the back of the body. That's one of the reasons I love step & kickboxing. Both activities improve calf strength & endurance. Check out this week's RealResults 20 minute step workout "A Little Less Conversation (A little more action)"
3. It may be time to upgrade your sneaks. Old shoes lose their support. Did you see my TidBit video on 5 Things To Know About Buying Workout Shoes?
4. Shin splints are more "prone" to happen if you are a pronator. Which means, your foot collapses inward. Mine do this because I have a low arch. So, you may consider inserts to better support your foot.
5. If you do experience shin splints, ice them & take a day or 2 off in between your next scheduled walk, hike, jog or run. It's like any other over-worked muscle, soreness means it's time to let it repair.
So, there's really no need to let them take over & dictate the type of activity you enjoy doing. Shin splints are temporary & are par for the course, of some people (such as myself) where others have no issues with them at all.
